Alright so here’s the thing. This morning I was scrolling through my feed and saw folks going back and forth about the Jordan IV UNC colorway versus some others. Which one’s better? Which one’s worth it? Honestly, it felt like people were just shouting opinions without much real wear to back it up. Got me thinking… I actually own both the UNC IVs and the classic Military Blues (some call them those too), plus I’ve messed around with the Black Cements and the Fire Reds enough to know my way around. Figured, why not just grab mine, do a side-by-side for real, and see what clicks depending on what you actually need? No hype, just hands-on.
Digging Out The Contenders
First step? Actually find them! They weren’t exactly sitting pretty on display. Had to hit my usual spots:
- UNC IVs: Buried under some old hoodies in the “kinda worn but still clean” pile. That Carolina blue is just… bright.
- Military Blues IVs: Tucked away in their box way back in the closet. Felt like finding buried treasure again.
- Black Cement IVs: My go-to beaters. These live near the door because, well, they get used.
- Fire Red IVs (the recent ones): Sitting clean on the shelf. Still pretty fresh.
Laid them all out on the floor. Just seeing them together was wild. Totally different vibes immediately.
Putting Them On My Actual Feet
Screenshots and stock photos lie, people. You gotta feel it. So I kicked off my slides and started trying them on, one after the other. Focused on a few things:
- How they feel walking around the house: Kitchen to living room, pacing, little jumps. That plastic wing thing on the side? Can it bend okay? Does the back dig in?
- Getting them dirty (a little!): Okay, not gonna trash them, but I scuffed the toe lightly on the Military Blues and UNC just seeing how easily marks show. Cement prints hide stuff way better, obvious win.
- The looks in regular light: Standing by the big window. How does that blue really pop (UNC) vs. the slightly more muted Military Blue? The Fire Red white feels super clean, Black Cements just mean business.
Standing Back & Staring
This is where it got real. Putting each pair on, standing in front of the mirror wearing regular jeans and a basic tee (what I actually wear!), and just looking.
- UNC IVs: Yo, that blue is LOUD. Like, instantly draws your eyes down. Feels fun, summery, kinda flashy but in a good way. If you wanna be seen, this is it.
- Military Blues IVs: More… chill? The blue isn’t as electric, the grey sides blend better. It’s cleaner, less “look at my feet!” but still undeniably a classic IV. Feels smarter, maybe?
- Black Cements: Pure toughness. The black leather, the cement print, the Nike Air back? Timeless. Works with almost any dark jean. Effortless cool.
- Fire Reds: That bright white! Super crisp. Red hits add just enough punch. Feels fresh and classic at the same time. Gets dirty quick though, for real.
So, Which One Actually Works For YOU? (No BS)
Forget hype price and Instagram shots. After actually wearing them and comparing head-to-head, here’s what I’d say matters:
- You Want Max Attention & Don’t Mind Standing Out? UNC IVs. That blue is impossible to miss. Own it.
- You Love Blue But Want Something Easier to Wear Daily? Military Blues. Still a blue IV legend, just toned down enough for more fits.
- You Need a Tough, Go-Anywhere Pair That Always Works? Black Cement IVs. Period. Durable, hides wear, classic look.
- You Crave That Crisp, Clean OG Look (And Keep Your Kicks Spotless)? Fire Reds. Beautiful, but high maintenance.
End of the day? Every Jordan IV color I tried feels special. It’s about matching your own style and how you live. I wore those Military Blues to run errands later that day – felt perfect. UNCs? Saving those for the next sunny weekend. Stop stressing the “best,” figure out what vibe fits your life best.